In a recent government meeting, officials presented the fiscal budgets for 2025 concerning the Water and Sewer, Recreation Enterprise, including the skating rink and golf course. The discussions highlighted significant revenue and expenditure projections, revealing challenges and opportunities for the upcoming fiscal year.

For the Water and Sewer Enterprise, actual revenue for fiscal 2023 was reported at $19,217,739, with a projected decrease to $21,730,000 for fiscal 2025, primarily due to the phase-out of the Rousselow facility, which is expected to reduce revenue by approximately $1.7 million. The total expenses for the water sector are anticipated to be $11,000,078, reflecting a decrease in reliance on the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) as local water treatment plants become fully operational. Despite these adjustments, officials indicated a potential need for rate increases in fiscal 2026 to ensure the sustainability of the Water and Sewer Enterprise Fund.

The Recreation Enterprise, which encompasses the skating rink and golf course, also faced financial scrutiny. The skating rink generated $844,629 in revenue for fiscal 2023, with projections for fiscal 2024 slightly higher at $850,000. However, expenses are expected to exceed revenues, leading to a projected deficit of $144,500 for fiscal 2025. The golf course, on the other hand, reported revenues of $1,911,000 in fiscal 2023, with expectations to maintain similar figures in the following years. The golf course is projected to end fiscal 2025 with a surplus of $105,100 after accounting for debt service payments.

Council members raised concerns about the combined deficits of the skating rink and golf course, totaling nearly $40,000. Suggestions for increasing revenue included exploring additional sponsorship opportunities, such as advertising on rink boards, which could provide a new revenue stream.

Overall, the meeting underscored the financial challenges facing the Water and Sewer and Recreation Enterprises, while also highlighting the need for strategic planning to enhance revenue generation and maintain fiscal health in the coming years.